SIMPSON SPRINGS STATION

What to See and Do: Named for 1858 mail-route explorer Captain J.H. Simpson, this site is still considered a dependable desert watering hole on the historic Pony Express Trail. Activities at Simpson's Springs continued even after the Pony Express and stage eras, when miners and other travelers began stopping at the site on their way to and from the Gold Mill area. In 1965, a monument was placed to mark the station site. In the 1970s, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) revitalized the area as a camping spot. The restored Pony Express station is located on a building site which dates to the period (1860) and closely resembles the original structure. The BLM campground is located just east of the station with drinking water, toilets, and 14 camping sites. There is a per-vehicle, per-night fee charged for camping at the BLM campground, but no charge for day use or picnicking.

How to get There: From the southern half of Salt Lake County or Utah County, travel to Lehi Junction (Redwood road and Highway 73). Drive west on Highway 73 through Fairfield to the Utah/Tooele County line, turn left and continue west across the Faust cutoff of Rush Valley to the railroad town of Faust. Continue 2.5 miles farther to Highway 36. Head south for one-half mile to Pony Express turnoff as signed.

From Ogden or Salt Lake City, travel to Tooele via I-80 and continue south on Highway 36 to the Pony Express turnoff road described above.

This county maintained dirt road leads to Simpson Spring Campground, 25 miles west.

Contact Information: For more information, including fee rates, site brochures and maps, please contact the BLM Salt Lake Field Office at (801) 977-4300.